The women's DII national champion will be the first national champion crowned this spring, as four teams will take the field in the semifinals on Saturday and the final will be played on Sunday. While the top ranking in DII has been LIU Post for most of the season, Adelphi owns an undefeated record and took the top spot in the last weeks of the regular season. In a tournament that doesn't offer much chance for upset, Lindenwood managed to upend Limestone to get to the semifinal, where they will take on Lock Haven for a spot in the final.

SEMIFINAL 1: LINDENWOOD v LOCK HAVEN

May 17, 11am, Salem, VA

HOW THEY GOT HERE:

Lock Haven University owns an 18-2 overall record and only dropped one conference game en route to capturing the PSAC crown in a 9-7 win over Mercyhurst to grab the NCAA tournament bid. Their two games against Mercyhurst, both two-goal wins, have been the Lady Eagles' closest games this season; their offensive production has been excellent, outscoring the competition often by at least ten goals.

In the NCAA first round, No.5 Lock Haven took on No.7 Pfeiffer and emerged with a convincing 17-6 victory to keep their 16 game win streak alive. The Lady Eagles jumped out to a 10-1 lead at halftime and kept the pressure on throughout the game, dominating possession time and turning in a strong defensive performance to keep Pfeiffer to their lowest goal total of the year. With a relentless attacking unit and strong defensive play particularly from goalkeeper Chrissy Baffuto, the Lady Eagles will look to keep their momentum against this year's Cinderella story, No.6 Lindenwood.

Lindenwood earned its bid to the NCAA tournament in its first year of eligibility after becoming a varsity program in 2012 and competing in the WILA last season. The Lady Lions own a 15-3 record and went undefeated through their conference slate. They have put together a strong campaign; their first loss of the season was to then-No.2 Adelphi and they have come the closest of any team this year to knocking off the Panthers, only losing by two goals. They also defeated Indiana University of Pennsylvania, who handed Lock Haven one of their two losses of the season, and avenged a regular season loss against Limestone in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

The Lady Lions lost 7-15 the first time they met Limestone this year, but used the week they had to prepare for the rematch wisely and were able to come away with a convincing 14-8 win in tournament play. Lindenwood took a 5-3 lead into halftime and used a second half surge to put the game away. The tilt against Lock Haven will be fast and physical as two very athletic teams take the field and Lindenwood looks to keep their upset bid alive. Adjusting on the draw will be key for Lady Lions; their main draw specialist, Shelby Polk, has been limited due to injury in the second half of the season. She has still amassed 80 draw controls on the season but was virtually ineffective in both games against Limestone and will be missed if she continues to be held out.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Jessica Pandolf, Lock Haven

The redshirt junior was the 2013 DII Midfielder of the Year and has followed up with an equally impressive 2014 campaign. She has already been named the PSAC Player of the Year and is one of Lock Haven's offensive leaders. Pandolf has 95 points so far this season, a career high coming off of 76 goals and 19 assists. She has scored at least once in every game this season and is crucial on the circle, with 119 draw controls to her credit. She has also grabbed 63 ground balls and caused 30 turnovers. A complete midfielder and incredible athlete, Pandolf will look to lead the Lady Eagles to the national championship game.

Melissa Smith, Lindenwood

Senior midfielder Melissa Smith is the reigning RMAC Midfielder of the Year and leads the offensive charge for Lindenwood. She has 80 points on the season coming off of a relatively balanced 53 goals and 27 assists. Smith had a five-point outing in the first round against Limestone and also owns the highest shooting percentage on her team. Lindenwood's main feeder, if Smith has another strong showing, she will help her Lady Lions keep their title hopes alive.

Chelsea Borrino, Lock Haven

Senior attacker Chelsea Borrino is the quarterback of the Lady Eagles attacking unit. Co-captain alongside Pandolf, Borrino has amassed 104 points this season, mostly off of her 75 assists. She is the undisputed playmaker and her ability to find her teammates is crucial to picking apart opposing team's defenses.

Christine Hehmeyer, Lindenwood

Lindenwood's senior goalkeeper is getting hot at the right time this spring. She has posted two shutouts on the season and was key in Lindenwood's first round victory, finishing the game with seven saves and five ground balls. Hehmeyer is tall and athletic and will look to lead Lindenwood's backfield in their attempt to shut down Lock Haven's prolific attacking unit.

PREDICTION:

Lock Haven over Lindenwood

Lindenwood has had an excellent season, but Lock Haven is healthier. This is going to be a close game and an intense physical battle but I think the Lady Eagles will hang on for the victory.